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Direct-expansion
DOAS Units
a n d
Standard A/C
Equipment
Having a grasp on direct-expansion dedicated
outdoor air systemsand knowing how they
differ from other refrigeration-based systems
can simplify field service for todays technician.
By Mark Potter
There are similarities between the basic components of DXDOAS equipment and A/C unitsessentially, both systems
use evaporator coils, compressors and fans to draw air over
the evaporator coils. Both also have some form of mechanical or electronic control package (microprocessor) to manage
system operation.
From here, DX-DOAS equipment and A/C systems diverge
regarding functionality and components. While a few other
areas of commonality between DX-DOAS equipment and
14 RSES Journal MARCH 2010
Sizing a DX-DOAS for proper performance is determined by reviewing published regional weather criteria collected and studied by ASHRAE. Most importantly, ASHRAE provides average
maximum moisture loads that can be expected (within 1%)
during any given year for various major North American cities. Using this data, a DX-DOAS then can be properly designed to handle maximum loads by appropriately sizing coils,
compressors and other critical components. Regardless of outdoor ambient-air entering conditions, the DX-DOAS system
also will deliver precise temperature control to the space.
As a DX-DOAS lowers the dew point of outdoor air to
eliminate moisture, the air temperature can become uncomfortable for occupants within the space. To deliver air at a
neutral temperature, these systems may be equipped with hotgas, electric or a hydronic reheat coil, with possibly some additional form of auxiliary heat for winter operation.
A DX-DOAS is flexible when it comes to delivering conw w w. r s e s j o u r n a l . co m
ditioned outdoor air. It can supply the air directly to an occupied or unoccupied space. It also can supply pretreated air to
other sensible conditioning equipmentfor example, an air
handler via plenums.
Air flow
Another important factor that influences the sizing and operation of DOAS equipment is air flow measured in cfm.
ASHRAE standards dictate the necessary air volume for a
space, which in turn affects the size of the DX-DOAS for the
application.
There also is a relationship between the air flow and the
size of the evaporator coil used. In general, the higher the
cfm required, the larger the evaporator coil that is needed; in
principal, when highly saturated outdoor air is rushing over
the evaporator coil at a high rate of cfm, the capacity of the
evaporator coil must be increased to effectively remove moisture before supplying the air to the space. Of course, this depends on the design-day conditions as established by existing
ASHRAE data for a particular location.
Conversely, if the required cfm is lower, a smaller coil may
be sufficient in order to adequately remove moisture. Essentially, the outdoor air is spending more time flowing over the
coilallowing it more time to drop its temperature and release its moisture. But again, matching the DX-DOAS coil
size to the desired cfm depends on the design-day parameters
of a given location as established by existing ASHRAE data.
Remember, DX-DOAS units are sized for these design conditions and the controls will unload the compressors at part
load conditions.
Even when a DX-DOAS is appropriately sized for an application, the air flow must be balanced in the field so the system performs at maximum efficiency. When units are sized,
cfm requirements are given with a specific duct-pressure valuereferred to as external static pressure. This is usually reviewed and balanced during startup by adjusting the blower
motors pulleys and/or sheaves.
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Because DX-DOAS
equipment (shown here
in a rooftop installation)
is generally controlled
by the measurement
of outdoor air conditionsand continues to
operate even if it meets
the desired setpoint
these units must have a
reheat system that tempers air off the evaporator to space-neutral
condition.
During startup, balancing air flow is normally the first priority. Although it is ideal to have independent TAB technicians available, it is not always feasible. When this is the
case, HVACR technicians can determine proper cfm by measuring static pressure drops across the evaporator coil. Technicians may use either a Magnehelic or inclined manometer
to measure coil pressure differentials. The cfm will vary depending on the systems design parameters; however design
values for any given DX-DOAS can be found with the systems startup documentation. Remember, static measurements
should be used as a guideline and are usually accurate within
10%. The TAB contractor will always need to make final
adjustments.
Taming DOAS
Five basic criteria must be met to ensure the proper design and
function of DX-DOAS equipment for specific applications:
1. Determine the necessary volume of air (cfm);
2. Know the maximum design conditions (db/wb per
ASHRAE 1% design data);
3. Deliver the desired required dew point;
4. Deliver the desired leaving air temperature; and
5. Recognize that suction temperatures are a function of
the entering air conditions.
HVACR service professionals who understand these factors that guide the operation of DX-DOAS units will be better equipped to service this type of equipment now and in
the future.
Mark Potter is the Service Manager of Desert Aire Corp., and
has worked for more than 20 years in various capacities, including building, testing, starting and troubleshooting equipment from
all product lines. For the past 14 years, he has managed the service department, coordinating equipment startups, answering
questions from the field and resolving product issues. For more
information, e-mail mpotter@desert-aire.com.
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